EDI’s Proven Project Methodology

The EDI Project Methodology is implemented as a series of project phases that adopts the most effective elements of several common software development lifecycle standards. Each phase of the project has defined activities, objectives, deliverables, and tools. Project phasing provides a means of focusing effort, managing expectations, minimizing rework, and establishing management checkpoints throughout the project execution. The phases of the EDI Project Methodology are depicted and described below:

INITIATE – The initial scoping and project planning is performed. In addition, there is a focus on garnering support of stakeholders by understanding their vision, current business and technical challenges, and reporting needs.

DEFINE – Conduct process and system design requirements workshops including all stakeholder groups. Produce a comprehensive and detailed set of processes and system requirements.

DEVELOP – Build and configure the system per the requirements using an iterative development methodology that keeps the customer directly engaged with the evolution of the system throughout development.

VALIDATE – Execute formal user acceptance testing to assure the requirements have been met in the implemented system directly in the context of the proposed processes.

DEPLOY – Deliver just-in-time training, deploy the production environment, and perform cut-over operations including final data migrations, and go live.

OPERATE – Provide on-site support for a defined period of time post-go live focused on end user coaching and mentoring as well as any system issues.

In order to ensure that the project methodology is followed throughout the life of the project, EDI has developed and uses a collection of standard PMI recommended processes and tools. This includes maintaining a Project Schedule for all projects as well as a maintaining a living “Project Control” workbook that includes a Communication Plan, RASCI Chart, Deliverables Tracker, Issues Log, Risk Log, and Change Log among other project tracking tools.

EDI’s project methodology has been developed and improved over a decade in direct response to common challenges and opportunities presented by enterprise level software implementations. Our methodology is designed with a focus on visibility, providing the customer with complete knowledge of and control over the progress and direction of the project. We know our methodology saves our customers time, money and headaches and helps us avoid the common pitfalls associated with these types of projects.